Research 2017 - Alerion Express - AE 20

The Alerion Express 20 is a tried and true Day Sailer that has been brought back by popular demand. All the Alerion essentials are present–classic topside, modern underbody, gratifying speed and single-handed ease.

In some boat lines, the smallest model is termed an entry-level boat. We reject that notion and proof is the Alerion Express 20. As with her larger sisters, here are an elegant and classic topside, a modern underbody, gratifying speed and single handed ease – as nice for seasoned sailors as for those just getting started.

To avoid the cost and aggravation of small, fast boats becoming progressively complex club racers, Alerion Express 20 racing is limited to two sails: the main and the self-tacking boomed jib. No spinnakers, asymmetricals or funny business – just pure, unadulterated, fine sailing.

Alerion Express 20 is a "sit in" boat: you don't need to hang yourself or your crew all over the rail. Yet, sailing performance is spirited and steering is fingertip-sensitive. She's a keelboat for stability and can be left on a mooring without fear of blo-over. yet, she still is trailerable.

Although the AE20 doesn't come standard with inboard power there are several options available to provide a quick get-home if you are becalmed. Besides a traditional transom mounted bronze outboard bracket there is also a side-mounted bracket that makes removal and placement of small outboards a snap. This custom bracket can be adjusted to fit anything from an electric motor to a small combustion outboard. Simply place the motor and bracket on the side of the AE20 when you need it and remove and store it under the cuddy when the sails are deployed. This bracket places the motor within easy reach of the helmsman and provides additional control by allowing 180 degrees of articulation.

Alerion Express 20 is a one-design class. But she is also such a fine small sailing yacht that many choose her just for private sailing enjoyment.
Draft: 3 ft. 6 in.
Beam: 6 ft. 10 in.
Max load: 780
Standard features:
Specs
Length Overall: 20'-0"
Length Water Line: 17'-1"
Beam: 6'-10"
Draft: 3'-6"
Air Draft: 30'-8"
Displacement: 1900 lbs (including ballast)
Ballast: 780 lbs
Sail Area: 220 sq ft
Sail Area/Disp: 22.95


Hull
End grain balsa core
Vinylester resin gelcoat reinforcing layer
White gel coat hull color
Molded and tapered single gelcoat bootstripe – Owner's choice of color


Deck
GRP sandwich structure with biaxial reinforcing fabrics, and end grain balsa core
White deck with molded Buff nonskid


Keel
Fin with integral bulb for low center of gravity
One-piece lead casting alloyed with antimony bolted to molded keel sump with 304 grade stainless steel bolts


Steering
Stainless steel rudder shaft with composite rudder blade
Balanced spade rudder with elliptical blade profile
Low maintenance self-aligning bearings
Laminated teak tiller with extension
Stainless steel rudder head


Plumbing
Manual cockpit bilge pump operable from helm


Mast and Boom
Aluminum Hall Spars mast and boom
Hoyt Jib Boom with light air extender
Ronstan rigid boom vang with 6:1 purchase


Bonding
Mast and chainplates bonded to meet ABYC
standards


Interior
Single-piece, molded structural grid with integrated bulkheads bonded with Plexus adhesive
Single-piece, molded interior liner bonded with Plexus adhesive
Interior finished in off white gelcoat


Deck Hardware
Adjustable backstay
Mainsheet system 3:1 ratio with fiddle blocks
Reef system with hook and 2:1 purchase
Lazy jack
Stainless steel chainplates and stemhead fitting
Harken roller furling unit w/furling line led to cockpit
Spinlock rope clutches for main and jib halyards
(2) Line Bags
Ensign, staff and socket
Color-coded sheets and lines
Teak toerails and coaming caps
(2)Seat lockers
Gear locker at helm
Teak seat edge trim
Mooring cleats, 2 aft, 1 forward with 2 bow chocks
Manual cockpit bilge pump operable from helm
Bilge access via plastic cockpit grate
Igloo cooler with hold-down brackets
Flush-mount safety re-boarding ladder